INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
One of the loveliest images in the scriptures is the one given today in the Book of Proverbs. Wisdom speaks of herself as ‘a master craftsman’ by God’s side, ‘delighting him day after day, ever at play in his presence, at play everywhere in the world.’
Wonder and delight are elusive experiences in times like these when we are swamped with news of brutal inhumanity and environmental peril.
Today’s festival of faith is a welcome occasion of wonder and delight, a graced opportunity to be enchanted once more by the mystery of divine love – Source of Life, Word-made-flesh and Spirit of Wisdom, into whose communion of love we have been welcomed.
A gracious invitation: to live playfully in the heart of God!
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For parents, catechists and teachers, that they will find joy in bringing children’s faith, hope and love to birth.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, led by the Spirit of truth, let us pray to the Father of Jesus for new hearts and a new world.
READER
We pray for all Christian communities. May they offer the world the love of God, the grace of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Pope Francis. May his visit to Lebanon stir fresh hope for peace, unity and healing in that troubled land. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the human family. May the eyes of all be opened to see the spirit of wisdom at work in the wonder of creation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the starving people of the Horn of Africa, and for all people facing famine in the world’s worsening food crisis. May nations with plenty pledge the aid that is needed. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for peace. May the leaders of every nation renounce militant aggression and all forms of oppressive control. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for hospital staff, health workers and all still struggling with COVID. May they stay safe and be given all the support they need. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for community leaders in Australia. May they find fresh heart in their efforts to promote goodwill, respect and shared purpose in service of the common good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for one another. May we strengthen each other’s faith in God’s saving love for all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May their hope for heavenly glory be completely fulfilled. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Bountiful God, you blessed creation with the Word-made-flesh and your Spirit of truth. Draw us ever more deeply into the communion of love you share. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Image: Boy Jesus talking with teachers in the Temple in Jerusalem. Depositphotos.com